My Inspiration…

Audrey Hepburn, was a unique individual I admired and adored my entire life. A gentle yet strong-willed woman, who always put others first, inspired me for as long as I can remember.

She emerged from an arduous adolescence, suffering the consequences of World War II. As the war ended, she and her mother moved to London, where a dedicated Audrey studied ballet, thereupon gaining a lead role in a production, and the rest we can say, was history!

Her successful acting career, captivated the hearts of many worldwide. As a result, Audrey won the Best Actress Oscar at the 1954 Academy Awards in “Roman Holiday.. Audrey was blessed with an award-winning career and family life. After two marriages and two beautiful sons, she continued to be the epitome of style for the fashion-conscious woman. The iconic “little black dress” worn in “Sabrina” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” became the most influential piece of clothing to the modern woman’s wardrobe.

Later on, her compassion drove her to become a special goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, where she tirelessly travelled the world connecting with, and assisting countless impoverished children.

Eighteen years ago, I was fortunate to encounter an exhibition devoted to Audrey Hepburn, in Florence, Italy. The exhibition was accordingly housed at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. Located in the Palazzo Spini Feroni, a medieval palace built in 1289. I remember being so excited to discover a presentation of my beloved icon, within a country I loved.

To me, Audrey Hepburn was a true inspiration. Her timeless style, sheer beauty and grace and human compassion, were all traits I admired. She was an influential and inspiring woman, who gave so much love, and in return, was truly grateful for all she had.

“If my world were to cave in tomorrow, I’d look back on all the pleasures, excitement and worthwhileness I have been lucky enough to have.”

81 comments on “Inspirational Women…”

She was unquestionably in my mind the most beautiful woman ever and that beauty was both inner and outer. Such dignity, such decency such quietly spoken wisdom. Never the shouter, simply doing good and not getting in others way. This is a lovely post – thank you.

I love this post so much Lorelle. You’ve written it very well. Many women share that admiration for Audrey Hepburn, including myself. 🙂 i love her movies. Hmm maybe time to watch again Breakfast at T and Roman Holiday 🙂

She was a great actress as well as activist. I feel it is what happens to us early in life that informs and shapes our lives. This appears to be what happened to Audrey during the war years. She developed a strong connection for those less fortunate and was able to express that bond through her work with UNICEF.

Audrey is one of my ultimate icons in everything! While her style doesn’t quite translate literally to my body type, I adore how simple and clean her wardrobe was- utterly timeless. And as a human, she could not be a better role model- elegant, kind, well-spoken, intelligent, modest but still proud of her accomplishments. And of course, the ballet!! (I couldn’t imagine dancing on nothing but broth, and she did it for MONTHS)

Both the famous Hepburn acting ladies create feelings of warm nostalgia. Audrey appeared to be quiet, dignified, and as fragile in body as a porcelain doll. Katherine appeared to be forthright and a little bit out there in her time, also dignified, and had strength seemingly oozing from her pores. I loved them both.

I know a lot of people who really admire Audrey Hepburn and to be honest I didn’t know much about her. I enjoy her films, but other than that I never really delved deeper into her life. It was interesting to learn a bit more about such an iconic person!

The definition of an inspirational woman, thanks for your post about Audrey. She is just so timeless and even though I learned more after reading this, even by looking at her, she seems to epitomize grace. I’ve been like many people who knew her for her style or acting career but I think the most important things she did were actually off-screen as you’ve mentioned. Thank you for your post and for being part of #DolceVitaBloggers. Love, Jasmine of http://www.questadolcevita.com

Ciao Lorelle! Audrey Hepburn is the perfect combination of strength and grace. It is so admirable that she saw the worst of human nature during the war, yet she still saw the best in others. She is truly an inspiration! A few years ago they had the scooter from Roman Holiday on display in Pisa and I was so giddy!!! I just couldn’t get over the fact that Audrey herself had touched that scooter!!!

Ciao Kelly. I know what you mean! When I discovered the exhibition in Florence I was soooo excited. Seeing the clothes she wore on set, and the props she used, and that infamous scooter, was a dream come true for me. An experience I will always remember and cherish. Thanks lovely ❤️

Audrey Hepburn!… Great spotlight… She was such a beautiful woman… But not just a pretty face as you have well highlighted above:she was an icon!… I love Truman Capote´s “Breakfast at Tiffany´s” (then came the movie, of course). The way he depicts her there is just remarkable. I think I began liking due to Capote´s book ((Also, on a side note: I am a Lana del Rey´s fan… and she somehow follows her “style” in certain videos.. and Monroe´s and Jacky Kennedy´s too…)). Thanks for sharing… Sending love & best wishes. Happy Women´s day! ❤

My favourite woman 🙂 Lovely post Lorelle! I think we should do a survey about how many women/men do not like her. What do you think the result would be?
Your guess is as good as mine. Even her voice, so distinct and charming. xx

We have only ever seen Breakfast at Tiffany’s once, but have obviously heard so much about Audrey Hepburn. We need to watch more of her movies! She definitely has a very special quality about her to be talked about so highly of to this day. She made her mark with her classic beauty and strength! Great post!

Ooh yes I totally agree with this! I love how much personality she has in her films too, she’s really funny and quirky. Shockingly, I still haven’t actually seen Roman Holiday, think that’s this weekend’s film then!

Potentially stupid question, when you say she went to London after the war, was she an American or was she born somewhere else? Great post and what an inspiration! I have always loved photos of her fashion.

I feel like I should be embarrassed to admit this, but I don’t really know anything about Audrey Hepburn. I think she was an actress in the 50s? 60s? And that’s about it… But after reading your post, I see she did a lot more than just that.

Audrey Hepburn, was such a classy icon. Truly one of a kind. No celebrities these days ooze the class of her. This is such a great choice and honestly, was such a pleasure to read. I remember seeing her wax work in London. She was absolutely dainty and tiny. But she had on that famous outfit from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. she actually made me want to smoke as I wanted to emulate that look. Beautiful story… look forward to your future posts.

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